The fine was issued following a CQC prosecution in relation to the care and treatment of Ellame Ford-Dunn who was cared for on Bluefin Ward, an acute children's inpatient ward at Worthing Hospital.

Commenting on the on the sentencing on November 26, chief nurse, Dr Maggie Davies, said: ‘When we appeared at last month's hearing, we acknowledged the seriousness of what happened and the devastating impact on Ellame's family and friends. That remains true today.

‘The loss of Ellame was a tragedy for her and for those who loved her. Colleagues involved in her care remain devastated by her death and the impact it continues to have on her family and friends.

‘We had a responsibility to protect her while she was in our care, and we are sincerely sorry that we were not able to do that. Everyone accepts that people with acute mental illness should not be in general hospital wards or A&E departments, but that does not lessen our duty to keep patients safe whilst efforts are made to provide them with more appropriate care.

‘Since Ellame's death, we have made significant improvements to our policies, training, and ward environments to prevent anything like this happening again. Today's sentencing reflects the seriousness of what happened, and we remain committed to working with our NHS partners to learn from this tragedy, and for us all to find better ways of caring for patients who are vulnerable.'